Author Archives: jenny

Discover Ethiopia: 10 Things You Didn’t Know

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As we prepare to “Discover Ethiopia” on Saturday, April 27th at NWLA’s Language of Food Event, here are 10 surprising and tantalizing facts about this rich and ancient country: 1. The Ethiopian calendar, called the Ge’ez Calendar, is composed of 12 months plus five extra days that comprise a 13th month.  Every four years, without exception, there is a 6th day in the extra month.  This system is based on … Continue reading

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Discover Ethiopia: Spices and the Mind

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Ethiopia is known as “nature’s finest spice gardens,” for its “terroire”–that combination of soil and climate which, as in France with wine or Brazil with coffee, provides the perfect growing environment for high quality spices. Ethiopians have also perfected unique blends of spices that linger in the mind long after they have faded from the tongue.  Berbere, the most famous of these, is a crucial element of Ethiopian cuisine.  It … Continue reading

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Discover Ethiopia!

Language of Food Event: April 27 Did you know that coffee originated in Ethiopia? So does the Blue Nile River and so, judging by archeological finds like the famous “Lucy” fossil, might the entire human race. Known as “nature’s finest spice garden” for its spicy and varied cuisine, the country once known as Abyssinia remains a well-kept secret. Here is your chance to experience this diverse and ancient culture through … Continue reading

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Save the Date! Celebrate Brazil at NWLA!

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For the season of Carnival, NWLA invites you to join us in celebrating the culture of Brazil with a week’s-worth of activities and events from the “Land of Parrots.” Culminating with the February 16th dinner and music event, the week starting Feb. 11th will see workshops in Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts) with Silvio Aleixo dos Reis of ICAF Seattle, Portugese language, Brazilian cooking, and the native medicines of the Amazon … Continue reading

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Open House with Um Gosto Do Brasil

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Wednesday, January 16th 5:00 – 7:00 pm Whet your appetite for our upcoming Brazilian Language of Food event on February 16th with a happy hour and open house featuring live music by UM GOSTO DO BRASIL, the trio comprising Keegan Harshman, Shaun Fairfield and Paul Rigby. The group is touring in support of their upcoming trip to Brazil to study Choro-style improvisational music.  ”Choro,” which means “cry” or “lament,” is, … Continue reading

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A look back at Julefest (and thanks!)

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NWLA’s Julefest celebration was absolutely magical, and a fitting way to begin the holiday season.  Below are a few looks at the night’s festivities and all the people who helped to make it happen. NWLA would like to thank the volunteers whose time and effort made this event possible: Lena Svensson, who together with her assistant Lena Massengale & volunteer Kristine Makela created our stunning Smorgasbord of Swedish delicacies; Kim Neel, … Continue reading

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Julefest: A Celebration of Lights

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December 1st,2012, the NW Language & Cultural Center is pleased to host  Nordic Julefest, a Celebration of Lights. Presented in the intimate and charming surroundings of our rural Event Center in Langley, on Whidbey Island, the evening will feature a traditional Smörgåsbord, Santa Lucia Tag, lively music with Vern Olsen, Karl Olsen and friends, folk dances and other activities unique to the culture of the region. An afternoon Nordic Holiday baking class will … Continue reading

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November 18th: Fireside Chat with Jen Marlowe

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The Hour of Sunlight, with Jen Marlowe Fireside Chats Series Sunday, November 18th, 2012, 6:30-8:30 PM NWLA’s series, “Fireside Chats” is a forum on a human scale to engage around socially important issues central to our mission of helping people develop the capacity to thrive in a global community.  Join us around the fireplace in the intimate, relaxed surroundings of the Cultural Center’s large sitting room, and engage with renowned … Continue reading

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Language of Food Scandinavia: Save the Date!

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Save the Date! Language of Food: Scandinavia December 1st, 2012 at the Northwest Language and Cultural Center Celebrate the beginning of winter and the Pacific Northwest’s Scandinavian heritage at NWLA’s last Language of Food event of 2012.  Experience the traditions of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark at a cozy carnival filled with the pungent smells of ginger cookies and glögg, sheep’s wool tree decorations, and fairytale characters like Hulder and the Trolls. Guest will dine on a … Continue reading

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Una Bella Sera a Napoli!

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The Northwest Language Academy and Cultural Center held it’s first-ever gala fundraiser last Saturday, October 13th, at Freeland Hall.  The event was sold out—and then some.  After the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a lavish Italian repast prepared by Chef Jacob Wiener of Seattle’s Blackboard Bistro and sampled various types of Italian wine. Singers Gino Lucchetti,  Regina Thomas, and Victoria Chaussee of the Puget Sound Concert Opera gave a rousing performance—their … Continue reading

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